Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Assembly witnessed a heated debate on Tuesday during the second day of its Monsoon Session after the state government introduced a resolution on ethanol and E-20 petrol. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleged that the Centre had imposed the E-20 policy on people without conducting adequate studies or consulting experts.
Mann claimed that ethanol imports from the United States were expected to increase significantly following a recent trade agreement, and questioned the rationale behind the Centre's decision. Launching a strong political attack, he said the policy appeared to have been pushed through without proper scientific assessment or public consultation.
Chief Minister also criticised the Union government's handling of international and economic matters, alleging that India was being pressured on key decisions, including energy purchases. Referring to US President Donald Trump, Mann remarked that announcements concerning India often appeared to come from Washington before being communicated domestically.
Earlier, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema moved the resolution and highlighted what he described as the shortcomings of E-20 petrol. He accused the Centre of ignoring practical concerns related to the fuel blend and suggested that vested interests linked to ethanol production were influencing the debate. Without naming anyone directly, Cheema remarked that "ethanol manufacturers are also present in the House."
